► Jaecoo 7 tops sales charts in March
► EV sales reach record 22.6 per cent, but lags behind mandate
► Concerns about knock-on effects of Iranian conflict
The Jaecoo 7 was the UK’s most popular new car in March, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The Chinese SUV clocked up 10,064 registrations in March, the most important month of the year for car sales in Britain as it’s one of two months when a new number plate is introduced – a ‘26’ plate in this instance.
It puts the Jaecoo ahead of usual best-sellers, such as the Ford Puma (9,193 registrations) and Nissan Qashqai (8,718), although the Puma just remains ahead on a year-to-date level, with 16,128 registrations compared to 15,569 for the Jaecoo 7 throughout 2026 so far.
The Jaecoo 7’s popularity is being driven by its affordable pricing, a well-established dealer network and – principally – its Range Rover-lite styling.
While the SMMT welcomed the boost in sales, it expressed caution about the outlook of the year as a knock-on effect of the conflict in Iran.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: ‘Much of March’s performance will be from orders placed before the start of the Iran conflict, which threatens to raise the cost of living, undermining consumer confidence.
‘Against this backdrop, and with the EV market falling further away from mandated levels despite record levels of incentives, an urgent review of the transition is required to secure a sustainable market, economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions.’
Context:
Chinese SUV Jaecoo 7 outsold traditional favorites like Ford Puma with 10,064 March registrations.
Context:
Chinese brands now control over 15% of UK car market, marking a major shift in consumer preferences.
Context:
March is crucial for UK car sales as it introduces new number plates, driving higher purchase volumes.